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How Platinum And Iridium Make Spark Plugs Great
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By NAPA
Shopping for Spark Plugs With NAPA
Automotive ignition and engine work are some of the most straight-forward DIY projects that at-home mechanics have performed for decades. At NAPA, not only do we want to guide you on which
link hidden, please login to view to purchase, but also educate drivers on how they function and the process for link hidden, please login to view. Your vehicle’s ignition system routes high-voltage current from the ignition coils to the
link hidden, please login to view in a synchronized firing order. The timing is critical to optimize the power created from the explosion or spark. Spark plugs use precisely crafted ceramic insular bodies and punched steel casings, which house two electrodes with a gap in between them. When voltage is sent to the plug, an electrical arc is formed between the two electrodes, thus igniting the fuel/air mixture. Spark plugs determine the power output, fuel economy and even engine temperature of your automobile. Signs that it is time for spark plug and coil replacement include jittery or rough idling, power surges from the engine, diminished acceleration and decreased gas mileage. Remember that spark plugs are not designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle. Built-up deposits and natural widening of the electrode gap can cause spark plugs to fail as time passes, so replacing spark plugs is a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Note: It is always best to replace all the spark plugs at the same time.
NAPA experts recommend
link hidden, please login to view every 30,000 miles on older models, which matches most manufacturer recommendations. With a modern vehicle, you only need to change spark plugs every 100,000 miles thanks to advances in materials and ignition design. Replacing spark plugs will take roughly an hour if your vehicle has a four-cylinder engine. Spark plug replacement takes longer for vehicles with a V6 or V8 engine. A standard vehicle typically has the same number of spark plugs as the number of cylinders. So, a V6 would need six replacement spark plugs. There are exceptions like Chrysler V8s, which use two plugs per cylinder. Which Plug Sparks Your Interest? link hidden, please login to view
At the heart of each spark plug is an electrode that connects to the vehicle’s ignition coil via a thick wire. Spark plugs installed by car manufacturers often contain copper, nickel or chromium core electrodes. The metal mentioned in the replacement part’s name indicates the material used to construct its electrode, which gives you an idea of the different
link hidden, please login to view in most retail aftermarkets. You can also find high-performance spark plugs composed of rare, powerful metals like ones with fine-wire iridium centers and double platinum ground electrodes. Glow plugs are typically used for heavy-duty diesel applications. So, are you wondering what type of spark plug is best for your car?
link hidden, please login to view are ideal replacements for older model vehicles. These copper spark plugs are applicable to a wide range of makes/models and are guaranteed to deliver quick starts, good fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. Although, for commuter vehicles that aren’t classics, some of the best types of spark plugs come from link hidden, please login to view. This product line includes reliable conventional spark plugs, specialized marine spark plugs and link hidden, please login to view. Our experts highly recommend spark plugs from the top-tier levels: ACDelco Silver (Advantage) and ACDelco Gold (Professional). One of the reasons to go with a premium spark plug is that their platinum construction provides better performance and more durability when compared to copper. For example, platinum spark plugs are typically good for up to 100,000 miles of service. These plugs are engineered to generate more heat, which means they can operate in hotter environments. Due to the minimizing of carbon deposit build up, platinum plugs give a better spark for a longer period of time. For an ideal upgrade, go with the
link hidden, please login to view, which delivers optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. This Autolite spark plug is specifically designed for Ford pickups and SUVs, such as the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Because iridium conducts energy better (an iridium electrode’s durability is six times harder than platinum), it’s the optimal choice if you want to get the most out of a performance engine. Iridium spark plugs are engineered to offer excellent engine idling stability and a smooth performance, which is critical in newer vehicles that use
link hidden, please login to view. NGK Spark Plugs manufactures replacement parts for virtually every automotive, motorcycle, marine and small engine application. link hidden, please login to view are specifically designed for the performance enthusiast, because they provide outstanding acceleration and high fuel efficiency. Get Started With NAPA
Are you looking for where to buy spark plugs and
link hidden, please login to view? NAPA Auto Parts stores and NAPAonline.com are proud to offer thousands of spark plugs and ignition components for sedans, pickups, minivans, SUVs and more. Make sure to select the ones specifically engineered for your vehicle’s make and model. Plus, take advantage of our convenient link hidden, please login to view option. If you are concerned about how much spark plugs cost, we have some good news! The cost of spark plugs ranges as low as less than $2 per spark plug to more than $100 dollars for spark plugs used in industrial or racing vehicles. You can purchase a long-lasting, high-quality, aftermarket replacement spark plug for less than $6 each.
Keep in mind, you need to remain patient while removing spark plugs and make sure to remove one spark plug at a time in the correct firing order. You must remove and replace each spark plug, along with any accompanying wires, before moving on to the next one in the chain. Most modern vehicles incorporate coil-on-plug technology, which don’t utilize external spark plug wires.
Finally, you must check to see if there are proper gap spaces on your new set of spark plugs to finish this installation. This technical auto repair requires using a
link hidden, please login to view with a swivel head, a spark plug wire puller and a link hidden, please login to view just to name a few specific tools. With that in mind, you are probably wondering how much it costs to get spark plugs changed by a professional mechanic. The average cost of spark plug replacement is $140 for a four-cylinder engine, $180 for a six-cylinder engine and $220 for an eight-cylinder engine. Schedule an appointment with your nearest link hidden, please login to view today! Photo courtesy of
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By Counterman
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. announced that effective April 1, the company name will become Niterra North America Inc.
Announced late last year, the name change will include a new corporate logo and identity as the organization follows a strategy to unify the global brand and promote efforts to transform the organization’s business portfolio. Accordingly, the global brand NGK Spark Plug Co. LTD will also begin operating under the English tradename Niterra Co., Ltd on April 1.
“It is an exciting time in the long and storied history of NGK Spark Plug., LTD,” said Michael Schwab, president, and CEO. “We are becoming an increasingly progressive corporation as we strive to meet our vision for the future. A future where we expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond our traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.”
Niterra, a coined word, combines the Latin words Niteo, meaning shine, and Terra, meaning planet earth. The corporation chose the new name, logo and colors represented to present a broader image of its modern identity.
The company will continue to use the trusted NGK and NTK brands for its spark plug and ceramic-related product portfolio.
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By Counterman
Whenever somebody asks me what’s new, I usually respond by saying, “Nothing really.” And that’s the same response I get when I ask the question of others. Why, I’m not sure, because there’s almost always something new. But in my case, it’s probably because it’s not exciting enough to talk about.
So, when I got the question “what’s new with spark plugs?” I knew my standard answer wouldn’t fly. Then I thought: It’s a fair question. What IS new with spark plugs? They do what they do, right? Is it possible for them to change? Copper, platinum or iridium are the main choices we have, and heat ranges differ between applications. But aside from that, have they changed much at all since they were invented?
The answer to that question is yes, and it makes the whole topic a little more interesting. With all the advancements the internal combustion engine has seen over the years, spark plugs are the components that always have had to bridge the gap (no pun intended) between the old and new, and advancements can be tracked throughout the entire existence of the automobile.
Did you know that early spark plugs could be taken apart for cleaning, and that you could buy replacement porcelain insulators and electrodes to effectively rebuild the spark plug? And that they sealed in the cylinder head by pipe threads and the plug wires were held on by a screw?
Here’s another interesting fact: Have you heard of primer plugs? In the early days of the automobile, fuel systems left a lot to be desired with the use of updraft carburetors, and it was often difficult to start a car on cold days due to the lack of fuel getting to the cylinders. Primer plugs had a small cup attached, in which you would put a few drops of gasoline, then open the valve to allow it to flow into the cylinder. The engine then would have fuel to ignite for starting.
We haven’t seen plugs like that in years, and at a glance, today’s plugs look like those from 50 years ago. However, the reality is that they’ve remained in constant evolution. Copper plugs were the standard up through the 1970s, but the need for reduced emissions and leaner-running engines required a stronger spark. The advancements of electronic ignition provided this change, and spark plug technology kept pace with the introduction of platinum precious-metal plugs.
Not too long after, with the introduction of distributorless ignition, the continued development of precious metals led to double-platinum and iridium plugs, as well as fine-wire iridium, allowing precise ignition control and design to maximize combustion efficiency.
Now as we roll through the first part of the 21st century, engineering never slows down for the internal combustion engine, and four valves per cylinder along with direct injection are squeezing the real estate in an engine – and spark plugs have had to get smaller and smaller to fit. This also has opened additional upsell opportunities for tools because the once combination of 13/16-inch and 5/8-inch spark plug sockets that covered every vehicle made is no longer the case. Now we frequently need 9/16-inch and 14-millimeter sockets as well as 12-point variations.
In the world of high performance, smaller plugs are lighter weight and provide room for larger valves, and the smaller hole in the cylinder head provides increased cylinder-head strength as well as improvements in cooling-passage design.
Smaller plugs also mean smaller ceramic insulators, which in turn means engineering improvements to design these smaller insulators so they can retain their high dielectric strength.
Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more advancements, a new precious metal stepped into the game: ruthenium. My first thought was whowhatenium? But I checked: It’s on the periodic table. I must not have paid enough attention in science class. The bottom line is that ruthenium is an incredibly tough and durable metal. When used as the center-electrode material in spark plugs, it offers increased durability and is more resistant to corrosion and oxidation than iridium or platinum.
Ruthenium plugs also have brought new electrode designs in a double fine electrode that maximizes ignitability, designed for normally aspirated engines, and a projected square platinum electrode that provides the best ignitability, designed for turbocharged and supercharged applications.
Ruthenium plugs are generally known for improved cold starting and fuel efficiency, but reportedly don’t perform as well under extreme conditions such as high-speed engine operation or in vehicles hauling heavy loads. They can be a great upgrade for most applications, but be aware of the situations in which they may not perform as well. So, it turns out there IS something new with spark plugs, and at the rate of today’s technology, there most likely always will be.
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By Counterman
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced the appointment of two individuals to the leadership team.
Megan McDonald, an NGK associate for more than 23 years, has been promoted to general manager of corporate planning. In this newly created role, McDonald will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the successful execution of NGK’s critical business initiatives from planning through implementation, expediting NGK’s decision-making process, creating transparency and optimizing its risk management.
“I am pleased to announce that Megan McDonald has accepted the general manager of corporate planning position,” said Paul Abbott, NGK director strategic planning and administration. “Megan has played a vital role in developing and implementing the project management team, adopting a technical APQP skill set to support corporate and enterprise-wide projects. We are excited to have her in this expanded role as her skill set will be further utilized to support our company’s risk management structure.”
Alex Sanchez Salazar has joined the company as general manager of internal audit. In his new role, Sanchez Salazar is responsible for providing consult, audit and advisory services to effectively identify and address significant risks to the company across all business units. Sanchez Salazar joins NGK Spark Plugs with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing finance and compliance.
“Alex Sanchez Salazar comes to us with extensive expertise in finance of the manufacturing sector,” said Ron Laboda, NGK vice president of finance and IT. “I am excited to have Alex join NGK and lead our internal audit team. I know his strong financial acumen will safeguard our company assets minimizing risk while continuously improving our internal controls and business processes.”
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By Counterman
Following a successful first year, Continental’s “Make Power Smart” app is announcing a new version of the app that will include updates and enhancements for the user.
The app also will be available for download in Europe for Android and iOS.
Updates and improvements include:
User registration – Allows users to sign up and manage drive systems properly for a better customer experience Multiple languages – The app now is available in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. Belt ID –Allows forselection of the belt category and access to the product specification page for an easy identification and application Drive calculation – Easily calculate and select a belt for a two-pulley system. This latest version of the app provides a more complete product range of V-belts and timing belts for North America(previously it was only possible to calculate drives based on the Synchrochain Carbon). Tension2Go –The ability tomeasure the tension value of a drive system in a very fast, easy and intuitive way Pulley-center distance – The ability to measure the diameter of the pulley, the center distance and the wrapping angle from a picture “At Continental, we are always looking for new and improved ways to provide value to our customers,” said Jenelle Ogburn, head of Americas Industrial Distribution, Power Transmission Group. “The Make Power Smart app has been a successful step of launching into the digital age to help our customers do work easily and effectively, and we’re excited to enhance the user experience and grow the app outside of the North American market.”
The app allows users to get a digital and interactive analysis of a belt with just a few clicks on their smartphone. It also provides important data on the drive condition, enabling users to improve the belt drives themselves on the site – with all of the tools needed on one easily accessible app.
The Make Power Smart app originally was conceived as part of Continental’s internal innovation competition and later was chosen as the winner. It originally launched in summer 2021 and has consistently received positive reviews from customers.
The app is available for download in the AppStore and Playstore. In case you already have the app installed on your mobile device, please update it to the latest version that’s available now.
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